Juvenile
The Conflict Program appoints attorneys to defend accused youths.
The Conflict Program’s appointed attorneys provide indigent defense to youths charged with a crime in Contra Costa county. The Conflict Program’s appointed attorneys provide indigent defense to Contra Costa county youths.
What is a adjudicated youth?
An adjudicated youth is an individual who is under the age of 18 and is alleged to have committed an offense that would be considered a crime if committed by an adult. The California juvenile justice system recognizes the unique circumstances and needs of youth, aiming to rehabilitate rather than solely punish them. Adjudicated youth are subject to different procedures and laws compared to adults.
Our appointed attorneys handle Juvenile Delinquency cases involving children up to eighteen years old who are accused of committing a criminal offense.
Juvenile proceedings in Deliquency Cases:
- Arrest: When a child is arrested, there are three options: informal diversion, release with a promise to appear, or transport to Juvenile Hall.
- Juvenile Hall: After booking, a child may be released with a court date or detained. A petition must be filed within 48 hours, and a detention hearing determines release or continued custody.
- Detention Hearing: The judge decides whether to hold the child in custody or release them. The court sets pretrial and jurisdictional hearing dates.
- Jurisdictional Hearing: Determines the truth of charges alleged in the petition, decided by a judge.
- Dispositional Hearing: Determines the consequences and possible dispositions for the child.
- Confidentiality: Juvenile proceedings and records are generally confidential, except for those involved in the case.
- Juvenile vs. Adult Convictions: Juvenile adjudications are not convictions and need not be disclosed as such.
- Sealing Records: Record sealing procedures differ based on the date of termination from probation.
- Juveniles Charged as Adults: A hearing determines whether a case will be transferred to adult court for serious cases involving children over 16.
- Drug Treatment, Mental Health Treatment, and Specialized Education: Programs are available to address these issues for minor clients.